How to remove CRFILE Ransomware and decrypt .CRFILE2 files

What is CRFILE Ransomware

CRFILE Ransomware is a malicious software belonging to the MedusaLocker family designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer and demand a ransom for their decryption. Once the ransomware infects a system, it appends a distinctive .CRFILE2 extension to the encrypted files, effectively locking them from access. The encryption process employs a combination of RSA and AES algorithms, which are well-known for their complexity and efficiency in securing data against unauthorized decryption. Upon successful encryption, CRFILE Ransomware generates a ransom note, typically titled READ_NOTE.html, which is placed in accessible directories on the compromised system. This note warns victims against attempting third-party recovery solutions and insists that only the attackers possess the decryption keys necessary to unlock the files.

Currently, there are no known free decryption tools available for .CRFILE2 files, as the ransomware’s encryption methods are highly sophisticated, leaving researchers with limited solutions. This makes caution and preventive measures exceptionally crucial in safeguarding data. Victims are advised against paying the ransom, as it does not guarantee the recovery of data and may encourage further cybercrime. Instead, those affected by CRFILE Ransomware should focus on isolating the infected device, reporting the incident to authorities, and exploring reliable data recovery tools. While these tools cannot decrypt .CRFILE2 files directly, they may assist in recovering unencrypted or partially affected data. Regular backup practices, robust antivirus solutions, and user awareness remain the best defenses against ransomware threats, ensuring that personal and organizational data is well-protected from such malicious exploits.

How CRFILE Ransomware infects computers

CRFILE Ransomware, part of the MedusaLocker family, primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive methods that exploit user vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often distribute this ransomware via malicious email attachments and links, which appear legitimate but contain hidden threats. Users may inadvertently activate the ransomware by opening these attachments or clicking on the links, leading to immediate file encryption. Additionally, CRFILE can spread through compromised websites and pirated software downloads, where threat actors embed the malware in seemingly harmless content. Vulnerabilities in unpatched software and operating systems also serve as entry points, allowing the ransomware to execute its payload without user interaction. Once inside a system, CRFILE employs sophisticated encryption algorithms to lock files, demanding a ransom for their release while threatening data exposure to pressure victims into compliance.

1. Download CRFILE Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .CRFILE2 files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like CRFILE Ransomware

CRFILE Ransomware files:


READ_NOTE.html
{randomname}.exe


CRFILE Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .CRFILE2 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .CRFILE2 files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .CRFILE2 files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with CRFILE Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .CRFILE2 files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like CRFILE Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. CRFILE Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro